Category: Misc

Happy Holidays

Posted on by Fred Langa

There are literally dozens of “reasons for the season” — every culture and religion has some kind of solstice-timed holiday — but no matter what you observe, I’m hoping it’s a good one! November: Christianity All Saints Day: 1 November – in Western Christian churches Nativity Fast: forty days leading to Christmas – also St Philip’s fast, Christmas fast, or winter lent or…

Dec 9 Newsletter

Posted on by Fred Langa

The newest AskWoody Plus newsletter is now available to members. This issue: GOOGLE CHROME OS: The Chrome OS FAQ, Part II: Which Chromebook should you buy? BEST OF THE LOUNGE: Holding action: Upgrading to Win8.1 from Win7 LANGALIST: Removing bloatware and OEM mods from new machines BEST UTILITIES: Freeware Spotlight — PrivaZer GADGETS: Versatile gadget gifts for stuffing stockings large…

December 2 newsletter

Posted on by Fred Langa

The newest AskWoody Plus newsletter is now available to members. This abbreviated holiday issue contains: GOOGLE CHROME: Chrome OS FAQ, Part I: Is a Chromebook right for you? PATCH WATCH: The (sorta) quiet release of Win10 Version 1909 Not a member? This issue (as with all issues) will be open to non-Plus members in the AskWoody free…

“How can phones go through 20% of charge overnight, when they’re closed and no apps are running in the background?”

Posted on by Fred Langa

(Answer requested by Jamie Moore) Assuming the phone and battery are otherwise in good condition, the only way it’d lose that much charge when “closed” overnight is if it’s not really idle: Clearly, some apps are still running, despite your efforts. Perhaps they’re periodically waking themselves to go online for updates. Try this: Turn your…

Minor personal milestone

Posted on by Fred Langa

Hope you don’t mind my sharing, but I’m now officially a 10 gallon (38 liter) blood donor. That’s 80 separate donations! 🙂 Are you a blood donor? It’s easy: Each donation usually takes only 15 minutes or so actually donating; only involves a very brief discomfort (come on — don’t be a wimp!); and can…

“Why don’t restaurants provide power outlets so customers can recharge cell phones or computers?”

Posted on by Fred Langa

(Answer requested by Jonathan Morrone) There can be myriad reasons, but here are two very important ones: Many restaurants (and airport terminals, hotels, public building, etc.) were designed and built before everyone started carrying power-hungry smartphones! It’s expensive to re-do electrical systems (especially where liquids will be handled, served, and — inevitably — spilled, as…

“Why must laptop keyboards be replaced? Why can’t they be repaired?”

Posted on by Fred Langa

Keyboards are mechanically complex, with *lots* of little parts —- usually its own multi-layer circuit board containing its own logic chips and firmware, plus wiring and connectors and over 100 separate electromechanical switches, each one itself a little multi-part precision subassembly with a spring, plunger, contact points, a base, stabilizers, a keycap…. (info). Laptop keyboards…